HI SR28

Department of Land and Natural Resources requested to convene a Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Study Task Force to develop a comprehensive statewide implementation framework for managing human use of protected marine areas.

Task Force responsibilities include building an interdisciplinary planning framework, prioritizing which marine life conservation districts should be studied first, establishing study design standards and timelines, and identifying staffing and funding needs.

Recommended Task Force membership includes representatives from DLNR, county governments, University of Hawaiʻi, community-based marine stewardship organizations, and commercial ocean recreation operators such as scuba, snorkel, and surf school businesses.

The Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District Carrying Capacity Pilot Program, established by Act 31 (2022), is cited as a successful model for coordinated partnerships among government, researchers, and community groups.

Task Force report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation is due no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2027.